A bust of Mahatma Gandhi has been unveiled at a US university, a move officials say reflects growing engagement between India and the northwestern US state of Montana.
Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte and Consul General of India in Seattle Prakash Gupta on Tuesday “unveiled the first bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Montana at the prestigious Mike Mansfield Center at the University of Montana in Missoula,” according to the Consulate General of India in Seattle.
The bust was presented as a gift from the Government of India. In a post on X, the Indian mission said: “The bust presented as a gift from the Government of India stands as a tribute to Gandhiji’s timeless ideals of peace and non-violence and reflects the growing engagement between India and the state of Montana.
Governor Gianforte said at the ceremony, “Gandhi’s life reminds us that leadership begins with character. The inscription on the bust includes a quote attributed to Gandhi that good ideas mean nothing without action. This message resonates here in Montana.”
The event was attended by Montana First Lady Susan Gianforte, senior state officials, University of Montana faculty and students, and representatives of the Montana World Affairs Council.
Senator Steve Daines, a member of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said in a video message shared by the Indian mission, “As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I have deep respect for the US-India relationship.”
He added, “The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center is doing tremendous work investing in the future of American diplomacy. And the work of the Consul General of India also serves Montana by fostering diplomatic, economic and cultural ties.”
“And together, these two entities are doing great work to strengthen cooperation between India and Montana. It’s wonderful to see the unveiling of the Gandhi bust to symbolize this effort.”
Daines also mentioned his recent visit to India, where he met with India’s commerce minister and other government and business officials.
The Indian mission thanked the senator for his congratulations and said it “deeply appreciates” his strong support for the “growing India-Montana partnership.”
(With inputs from news agency PTI)
